Jenna Knutson is a final-year PharmD candidate at the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy and a 2023–2024 member of the APhA–ASP Awards Standing Committee.
On August 1, 2021, fate took an unexpected turn when a truck ran a red light in front of me, stopping abruptly in the middle of the intersection. I tried to avoid a collision and managed to hit the bed of the truck instead of the cab, but by doing so I bore the brunt of the impact, fracturing the wrist of my dominant hand. Once I came out of shock, I realized the profound implications this injury would have on my life.
Following the incident, the orthopedic team immobilized my wrist in a cast—a temporary measure until surgery could be arranged later that week. While waiting, I was nervous that the surgery would not be enough to repair the damage to my hand and wondered if my future as a pharmacist was in jeopardy. The procedure, thankfully, proved successful. I had a plate and screws inserted in my wrist, and a carpal tunnel release was performed, marking the beginning of my journey to recovery.
The timing of the car accident, mere weeks before the start of my second year at the University of Minnesota (UMN) College of Pharmacy, presented a crucial crossroads. Faced with the decision to either postpone my studies to heal and rehabilitate or navigate the challenges of pharmacy school amid recovery, I grappled with the weight of my aspirations. Pharmacy wasn’t just a career path; it was my lifelong dream, the culmination of years of dedication.
Reluctant to relinquish my hard-earned progress and fearful of the prospect of starting anew, I resolved to persevere through the fall semester.
The indomitable spirit of resilience
The accident forced me to reassess my priorities and make difficult sacrifices. Balancing two jobs became unmanageable, leading to me leaving one of my positions. Similarly, relinquishing my leadership role in Phi Lambda Sigma became a necessity.
Over the ensuing semester, I discovered the power of advocating for my own needs and adapted to new challenges, such as writing pharmacokinetic equations with my non-dominant hand—I sincerely apologize to anyone who graded my work. I learned to lean on my peers for support, particularly in my role as the APhA–ASP Chapter president-elect for the UMN Twin Cities campus. Moreover, the experience afforded me invaluable insights into the nuances of the health care system and the vulnerability inherent in being a patient.
Now, 2 and a half years later, while the ghost of my injury still lingers, I find solace in the remarkable progress I’ve made. With a full range of motion restored to my wrist, I’ve surpassed my pre-accident physical capabilities, embracing activities like CrossFit with newfound vigor. I owe much of this resurgence to the unwavering support of my family and friends, who’ve fueled my determination to overcome adversity, alongside the indomitable spirit of resilience and grit that resides within me.
The relentless resolve of grit
So what defines grit? Grit embodies unwavering determination and passion in the pursuit of long–term goals. It transcends momentary flashes of inspiration or courage, thriving instead on the disciplined pursuit of progress in the face of obstacles and hardships. Grit is nurtured through the repetition of daily rituals and the unwavering adherence to structured routines. Grit lies not in exceptional talents or intellect, but in consistency and resilience. Grit is a testament to the human capacity for growth and perseverance, demonstrating that even amid the chaos of life, we can forge ahead toward our aspirations with relentless resolve.